Suspension of Gauteng Health Department Head a step in the right direction

Image: GDH/Facebbok

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) views the suspension of the Head of the Gauteng Health Department, Mr Arnold Moletana, as a step in the right direction for accountability. 

The maladministration, fraud and corruption recently uncovered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) at Tembisa Hospital as well as the shocking murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, highlight the urgent need for thorough investigations and reforms in this Department.

In fact, maladministration is so pervasive at Tembisa Hospital that lawful conduct appears to be the exception rather than the rule. The SIU identified 207 service providers, of which 108 were referred to the Department for administrative and disciplinary action. It appears that payments amounting to a staggering R122 million were made to corrupt officials.  

In addition, evidence seems to suggest that the Department Head accepted bribes. Therefore, Moletana’s suspension, pending an investigation, is justified.

The only way for South Africa to rid itself of the plague of maladministration and self-enrichment, at the expense of the public, is to ensure that holding officials personally accountable lies at the heart of sound governance and service delivery.

Proper governance, for and on behalf of the public, will only be possible once officials have to pay a personal price – when their own interests are at stake.

The Freedom Front Plus expects the same accountability to be enforced in every department across Gauteng.